Dame Mary represented Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games from 1958 to 1974 inclusive.

She won two gold medals in the pentathlon and a gold and silver in the shot-put, but her greatest success came when she won a gold medal for Great Britain in the Munich Olympic Games of 1972 - again in the pentathlon.

She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2000 for all her sporting success and for her community work in Northern Ireland.

Geoff Karran, executive chairman of Isle of Man Sport, commented: 'It is a great honour for us that Dame Mary has consented to attend the awards night. She will also meet our young elite athletes during her stay and pass on valuable tips to assist them to progress in their chosen sport.

'Her presence will ensure another wonderful night when we pay tribute to the successes of our sportsmen and women.'

The awards night will see the usual 10 categories, each sponsored by local companies, culminating in the Isle of Man Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.

In addition, the IoM Sport Aid scholarships for 2010 will be handed over to elite athletes.

Anyone can nominate persons in each category and the entry forms will appear in Isle of Man Newspapers publications very shortly.